When I first read this chapter, was alittle bit intrigued that there could be jealousy and rivalry even between a couple. After all, shouldn't one be happy when your other half gets a promotion for example. Or am I happy only because I will get some tangible benefit arising from this? *thoughtful look*
As I mulled over this, realised that human nature being human nature, we sometimes wish that these good things would happen to us too. Moreover, it's hard to clearly differentiate our feelings, why we feel the way we do when we don't fully comprehend the source of this jealousy.
In this case, there can be two forms: (1) Legitimate jealousy based upon love and an (2) Illegitimate jealousy based upon envy and rooted in selfishness. More often than not, our jealousy tends to be the latter.
Although this is a common struggle and it's not always easy to feel genuinely happy for other people's successes, a good first step is being alerted to this possibility towards our other halves.
Hence, being able to spot jealousy when it rears its ugly head ensures that we can proactively counter ugly sentiments with loving thoughts in a timely manner such that jealousy does not rule our hearts.
Because love is not selfish and puts others first, it refuses to let jealousy in. It leads you to celebrate the successes of your spouse rather than resenting them. A loving husband doesn't mind his wife being better at something or having more fun, or getting more applause. He sees her as completing him not competing with him. [On the other hand,] a loving wife will be the first to cheer for her man when he wins. She does not compare her weakness to his strengths.
To put this succintly, I'm called to be Ed's biggest cheerleader and captain of his fan club. *takes out dusty pom poms from cupboard*
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